MADISON, Wis. -- Madison police have alerted the FBI and are in the process of going through lists of registered area sex offenders as they hunt for a young girl's abductor.

Police said they believe a man captured on hotel surveillance video may have information or may even be the man who grabbed the 13-year-old girl at gunpoint at the Comfort Inn around 7 p.m. Friday.

The girl was able to scream and get away in the parking lot, as the man momentarily removed his hand from covering her mouth.

"She was incredibly brave," Madison police Capt. Mike Masterson said. "She assessed the situation. Ithink she felt she was making the best of it. She seized her opportunity when she saw strangers in the parking lot. That's what we tell children -- attract attention. Yell for help. It turned out to be the best thing that could have been done in this case."

Video

Gunman Takes Girl From Madison Hotel

Detectives told News 3 they don't know who they're dealing with -- a dangerous pedophile who lives here or someone who just drifted in from the nearby interstate looking for a random victim. That's why they've brought in the FBI, in case he hits again in another community.

Police are now looking at surveillance videos from other hotels and businesses. They're running license plates, room reservations and lists of registered area sex offenders. Masterson said his detectives are working to enhance the videotape they have with hopes of getting a crisper image of the possible suspect. However, even the fuzzy shots are generating tips, he said.

Police described him as Caucasian, in his 30s, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an average build, brown hair, and a two-day growth of beard. He was wearing a dark blue stocking cap, dark blue cloth coat, dark blue pants, black leather gloves and brown winter boots.

Crime Stoppers: (608) 266-6014

Florida Murder Case Has Parents On Edge

Parents are especially worried after Carlie Brucia, 11, was abducted in a public place and killed last week in Florida. Police found her body at a church not far from the car wash where she was abducted. ( Full Story )

In Madison, counselors and social workers say it's important to remember that these types of cases are very rare. Even so, they are every parent's worst nightmare.

CHILD ABDUCTIONS Stranger Abductions Are Rare Tips For Protecting Children Government Tips

Officials mandated "protective behavior curriculum" in Wisconsin in the early 1980s, following the abduction, rape and murder of 10-year-old Paula McCormick of Madison.

Older students now go through various scenarios, discussing how they would react to them. It's something you can do at home as well. Experts warn against telling children that all strangers are bad because they may need to count on one.

"For example, if they're approached by somebody at a store, they might have to turn to the store clerk, or a crossing guard, or to a neighbor for help," said Carol Ziesemer, a social worker in Madison schools.

Masterson said it's important parent don't overreact and live in fear.

"I can't remember a similar incident with an armed man with a gun trying to abduct a girl from a motel in my career -- and that spans 25 plus years," he said. "I think the balanced approach is use these incidents as teaching tools for your children and talking about protective behaviors."

How To Talk To Your Children

How much you tell your child should be age-dependent. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, there are precautions parents can take:

Be sure to go over the rules with your children about whose homes they can visit when you're not there and discuss the boundaries of where they can and can't go in the neighborhood.

Make sure children know their names, address, and telephone numbers and how to use the telephone. Be sure they know what to do in case of an emergency and how to reach you using cellular or pager numbers. Children should have a neighbor or trusted adult they can call if they're scared or there's an emergency.

Caution children to keep the door locked and not to open the door or talk to anyone who comes to the door when they are home alone. If you have arranged for a family friend or relative to stop by, make sure your children feels comfortable being alone with that person. Make certain that they understand not to tell anyone who calls that they are home alone.

More Tips

More Online Resources:

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Polly Klaas Foundation

Missing Person Information Clearinghouse - state by state listing